8–10 Sep 2023 AEST
Narara Ecovillage, 33 Gugandi Road, Narara NSW, Australia Map
Restoring health and balance to the environment
A two day workshop on biodynamic agriculture on Saturday and Sunday 9th & 10th September led by Dianne Watkin from Biodynamics Sydney and held at Narara Ecovillage.
Biodynamics is rooted in the work of philosopher and scientist Dr. Rudolf Steiner, whose 1924 lectures to farmers opened a new way to integrate scientific understanding with a recognition of spirit in nature. Biodynamics has continued to develop and evolve since the 1920s through the collaboration of many farmers and researchers. Its principles and practices of can be applied anywhere food is grown.
This is a hands on course – in which we will prepare a garden bed and build a compost pile, as well as learning about the principles of biodynamics.
In this workshop Narara Ecovillage encourages attendees to support and build on the knowledge gained by returning to the village to water and maintain the bed and compost pile. This will help to build confidence by keeping your hand in and being able to follow up and keep contact with other participants throughout the growing period.
PROGRAM OUTLINE
Saturday 9th September
08:45 Enrol & meet at the Village Hall. Book lunches at the Coffee Cart if required
10:00 Soil fertility, review soil test results and noting deficiencies and how to rebalance them. Preparing a veggie bed of approx. 2 sq m and building it to plant veggies
13:30 Break for lunch
14:30 Introduction to the Biodynamic calendar
16:15 Planting a bed
17:00 Preparing the soil activator BD500
18:00 Walk back to the Village Hall
18:30 Share a dinner together, which will created by the Village from local produce
19:30 Watch a short documentary provided by Biodynamics Sydney
20:45 Chat before retiring for the day
Sunday 10th September
08:45 Meet at the Village Hall and walk down to the workshop space
09:00 The difference between biodynamic and general compost. What’s needed to build a 2-stage no-turn compost pile
10:30 Building the compost pile
13:00 Break for a shared lunch
14:30 Practical exercise with the Biodynamic calendar
16:00 Gardeners Q & A session
17:00 Pouring the BD500 formula onto the garden-bed
17:30 Close
PRICE
We have limited scholarship places available for those unable to afford the workshop fee – contact us to find out more. For this and all other inquiries email: michaelxberney@gmail.com
Please contact Michael Berney for inquiries to attend workshop on 0417 558 058
Please contact Dianne Watkin if you have any queries about course content: Ph: 9550 1682
FAQs
What is the Cancellation Policy?
Cancellations of workshop bookings or accommodation may be made up until 9.30am 5th September 2023 and will incur an administrative fee of:
Cancellations after this time will result in the forfeiting of the entire booking cost unless you or we can find another person to take on your booking (e.g. if there is a waiting list).
You may transfer your booking to another person to come in your place at anytime.
Can I come as a day student and not use the accommodation?
Yes, you do not need to stay on site if you live locally or wish to stay elsewhere.
Can I stay in my campervan?
Yes, our camping option allows for vans. The price is the same as standard camping.
I know pets are not allowed, but I have an assistance dog. Is that allowed?
Yes. Please mention this in the notes on your form so we can allocate dog-friendly accommodation.
I require wheelchair access. Is this available at all venues?
Some of the venues and activities are not easily wheelchair accessible and will include outdoor activities on rough bush trails. Most workshop venues and toilets require going up one step. We have a folding removable ramp that could be put in place by an assistant.
Camp sites require travelling over rough ground. Some B&B accommodation is wheelchair accessible, so this can be arranged if required. The ablution block at the campsite has ramp access. However, the road between the ablution block and the campsite is a rough, gravel road with ditches.
What are the accommodation options?
We can arrange one or two nights’ accommodation for you on site in either B&B accommodation or camping. The B&B accommodations are in village homes or in Paperbark House, our village hostel. Most rooms have en-suite bathrooms or an adjacent private bathroom. If camping, you need to bring your own tent or van, and bedding, and supply your own breakfast. An amenities block with toilets and showers is provided plus a basic camp kitchen. You can also buy breakfast at the Coffee Cart. We have a limited number of powered sites.
What food will be provided?
All B&B accommodations will provide breakfast for you. If you are camping you will need to bring your own breakfast. As part of the workshop fee we will provide dinner on Saturday night. If you have any dietary needs or allergies please provide this information on the booking form and we will ensure your B&B host has this information, as well as the dinner cooks.
Saturday lunch can be BYO or buy at the village Coffee Cart. For Sunday lunch, bring something to share.